Is the term “Dalit” derogatory? Absolutely not. It’s far more than just a label for people outside the traditional four Brahminical castes. “Dalit” encapsulates a legacy of resistance, strength, and the fight against centuries of caste-based oppression. While the official term might be “Scheduled Castes,” Dalit carries a deeper, more assertive identity rooted in history, culture, and politics.
The term was first coined in the late 19th century by the Pune-based social reformer Jyotirao Phule. In Marathi, “Dalit” means oppressed or broken, but it does not imply untouchability. Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a monumental figure in India’s fight for social justice, adopted “Dalit” to describe those pushed to the very bottom of the caste hierarchy.
This word has since transcended its literal meaning. Under the weight of caste-based atrocities and a gross lack of political representation, “Dalit” took on a political edge, embodying a bold defiance against a society steeped in inequality.
In the 1970s, the term gained fresh vigour when a group of Bombay youths formed the Dalit Panthers, inspired by the militancy and pride of the American Black Panthers. They wielded the term “Dalit” not as a mark of shame but as a badge of honor—just as Black Americans reclaimed the word “black” to symbolize strength in their own struggle for civil rights.
Dalit, then, is much more than a descriptor—it’s a declaration. It’s a self-chosen identity, a symbol of enduring struggle, and a call to rise above centuries of degradation.
To truly confront caste oppression, a forceful, unapologetic identity is crucial. “Dalit,” with its profound historical and political weight, delivers exactly that.
Promod Puri.com 